The motif going into the season for the 2017 Phillies was one of hope and optimism for the future. A common criticism of the organization is an unwillingness to look to the future and an insistence to live in the glory days of the past.
With the departure of Ryan Howard, there are no remaining members of the 2008 World Series team on the current Phillies roster. Now a void is left at first base which must be filled by a building block for future sustained success.
The first chance to take the starting job was given to Tommy Joseph.